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One group of 18 college students on spring break last week in a vacation home in Holmes Beach learned that partygoers who break city codes are not welcome. Larry Chatt, the rental property manager for Island Real Estate and a …

Former Anna Maria Commissioner Gene Aubry shows city commissioners at their March 8 meeting his drawing of a park and nature path on the city’s vacant property at the east end of Pine Avenue. Aubry’s drawing allows 19 parking spaces along the perimeter of two sides of the park. Islander Photo: Rick Catlin

Former Anna Maria Commissioner Gene Aubry lent his architectural skills to the city March 8, offering a rendering to commissioners of a park, nature trail, open space and parking at the city-owned land at the east end of Pine Avenue. …

Anna Maria commissioners at the March 8 first reading of an ordinance establishing a moratorium on review and issuance of new building permits, couldn’t decide whether to proceed or drop the matter. The moratorium resolution enacted Feb. 23 was for …

There are reasons vacationers might want to book a vacation to Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and the Manatee County area through a chamber of commerce member, as a Canadian couple learned. Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce president Mary …

Chicken wings never stood a chance at the March 11 Bridge Street Market hot wing challenge. The monthly food challenges benefit area charities. Manasota Buds, an organization that works with people with Down Syndrome, received $500 from the challenge. Islander photo: Mark Young

There are still parts of the world where there is a desire to attack a Kentucky Fried Chicken because it is assumed Colonel Sanders is a high-ranking U.S. military official. While that line of thinking is flawed, the chicken hot …

Douglas E. Mullaney, 40, of Holmes Beach, was extradited from Oregon to Manatee County last week and is currently in the county jail on $25,000 bond, said Detective Brian Hall of the Holmes Beach Police Department. Mullaney, a convicted sex …

If resort tax collections are any barometer for tourism to Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and the Bradenton area, expect the number of visitors this winter season to be well ahead of last year’s count. Resort tax collection amounts — …

Abi Van Ostenbridge spikes the ball during a high school tournament in October. She will soon take her game to SCF. Islander Photo: Courtesy Chip Armer

Local volleyball standout signs with SCF Former Islander and Anna Maria Elementary School alumna Abi Van Ostenbridge recently signed a letter of intent to attend State College of Florida and play volleyball. Abi, daughter of Susan and Scott Van …

A threatened Cuban snowy plover set up a nest March 6 on the shore in Anna Maria. According to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, it’s the earliest sign of a snowy plover nest here, and while they …